Battery-powered runabouts tend to lack ferocity, but German start-up eD-TEC wants to change that.
The industry newcomer, founded by former VW Group chief strategy officer Michael Jost, just unveiled a high-performance electric RIB capable of soaring across the high seas at breakneck speeds.
Christened the eD 32 c-ultra, the sleek carbon monohull was created with pioneering boatbuilder Sven Ackermann. The German designer began building carbon sailing yachts and catamarans in 2007 but is now working on a c-Ultra series ranging from 22 to 55 feet. The first c-ultra is nearing completion in Germany, following an impressively short, nine-month construction period.
The helm.
eD-TEC
“There aren’t many boatbuilders who can not only build in full carbon but who can also do it to a very rapid development timescale, but the quality of the build is second to none,” Jost said in a statement.
Spanning 31 feet, the inaugural RIB is equipped with eD-TEC’s revolutionary electric propulsion system that enables fast and furious cruising with zero noise and zero emissions. The fully integrated eD-QDrive 1 provides up to 400 kW of power to the surface-piercing propellers that push the boat to a cruising speed of 30 knots and a top speed of 50 knots. Jost says the boat can also be fitted with hydrofoils to improve seakeeping and range.
Speaking of range, the RIB features more than 100 kWh of batteries that allow it to cover up to 30 nautical miles on a single charge. (The team is also developing a 140kWh battery pack to increase the range and operating time.) The vessel is compatible with both standard and fast charging, with the latter getting the batteries back to 80 percent in just 40 minutes. To top it off, the c-ultra sports an advanced Technology Stack and AI box that receives over-the-air updates so that the propulsion system is constantly improved.
The bathing platform.
eD-TEC
“High-performance electric boats are still considered something of a niche, but we believe the eD 32 c-ultra is perfect for superyachts, and for clients with lakeside or shoreside villas who want the ultimate, clean runabout at the end of their pier,” Jost adds.
As for aesthetics, the c-ultra will be available in multiple colors and layouts. As standard, the boat features a central helm with two seats, a forward storage compartment, a large aft bathing platform with a sun pad, and a hardtop for protection from the elements. Owners could add a modular sun pad, two additional forward-facing seats, a head with a shower, a forward console seat, a table, and a fridge. Other optional extras include a high-tech entertainment system, solar panels, a sun awning, and a jet-thruster system for improved maneuverability.
“The eD 32 c-ultra is going to be a game-changer both for us and for the boating market,” Jost concludes.
The first eD 32 c-ultra is scheduled to be delivered this summer.
Click here to see all the photos of the RIB.
eD-TEC
